What was the challenge?

Freya lived happily with her brother and sister in their foster family until their placement broke down unexpectedly. As they entered new placements, they were separated from one another for the first time. Freya found this very difficult because she had always protected her siblings.

Two months later, she was asked if she would like to join a residential trip designed to give care experienced young people some respite from their daily lives. After some persuading, Freya decided to join. Her younger brother also agreed to come along, so she wanted to make sure he was safe on the trip.

What did Brathay do?

At Brathay, Freya took every opportunity! For the first time since moving into her new home, she started to smile again. She finally felt like she belonged somewhere, which allowed her to express her bubbly, energetic personality and spend quality time with her brother.

On the last day, the staff surprised her. As they rowed the whaling boats out onto Lake Windermere, they all sang happy birthday and Freya blew out the candles on her cake, as a rainbow appeared in the sky. Later, Freya thanked everyone for her cake and said she would remember this birthday forever.

What was the impact?

Freya transformed from an extremely withdrawn young person to a confident, happy, contented individual in three short days. She felt free to be herself as she spent time with her brother, especially as time together had become so rare since their separation.

Back at home, she opened up to her new foster family. She couldn’t stop talking about the trip, spending time with her brother, and how much it meant to them both. The picture of her in the whaler, looking up at the rainbow is now framed and on her bedside table, for her to remember to stay true to herself and how positive she felt at Brathay.

*Names have been changed.

Sometimes young people just need to get a break from reality. Brathay put them in a completely different environment which was
new to them. Since they’ve come back home, they have a newfound confidence, and they feel like they’ve achieved something. It’s like a fresh start for them!

- Lee McDermid, Involvement Lead